May the Fourth Be With You and Mindfulness
A recent article I read May the Fourth Be with You: Mindfulness, Midi-chlorians*, and Mental Health highlighted the importance of mindfulness in relation to one’s mental health. Not only was it an entertaining read for any Star Wars fan, but it really actually put into perspective how much of Star Wars focuses on the concept of mindfulness (particularly the jedi) and how being mindful benefits mental health.
During Luke’s training, he is reminded over and over again to train his mind to focus on the present moment and to “stretch” his feelings. Mindfulness has been proven to benefit our well-being, physical health, and mental health.
Mindfulness improves well-being. By focusing on the present, people who practice mindfulness are less likely to worry about the future and dwell on the past. They are less likely to focus on concerns about success and self-esteem. On top of that because they aren’t always in worry mode are able to form deep connections with peers and loved ones.
Mindfulness improves physical health. When it comes to physical things, mindfulness is not usually the first thought as being a factor of benefitting physical health. But mindfulness techniques can help relieve stress, treat heart disease, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, improve sleep, and alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties.
Mindfulness improves mental health. More and more studies show that being mindful and meditating can help curb things such as depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, couples’ conflicts, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
So, Star Wars teaches us a lesson here and that’s to learn to observe your mind and to stay in the present moment.
May the Fourth Be with You!
